Multi-Function Infant Pillow and Mat

ABSTRACT

The Armapillow is a continuous section of material having a first, second, third, and tail section. Each section is separated by a foldable seam. The first and second sections are folded over onto each other to form a pillow cavity and an arm cavity. Armapillow can be used as a pillow and mat for a child by placing the child&#39;s head on the pillow and body on the tail section. A caretaker can pass their arm through the arm cavity to provide support and control of the child. In certain embodiments, the tail section is used to provide a privacy screen when the child is nursing in public. Tail section may be used as a blanket. Arm cavity has thumb straps for a caretaker&#39;s fingers to provide enhanced control and stability while holding a child. Fastening devices hold Armapillow closed when folded or in place when being used.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/117,559,entitled “Multi-Function Infant Pillow and Mat”, filed on Feb. 18, 2015, and currently co-pending.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to infant care devices for use in feeding and caring for an infant. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a multi-function support sleeve and cover for a mother to increase the amount of time a person can hold a baby and to provide a cover for privacy when breast feeding or the baby is sleeping. The Present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a head and neck support for an baby when being held in a person's arm, as well as providing a pillow and blanket for a child to play and sleep on.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mothers and caregivers of infants and small children have carried and cradled children since the earliest recordings of human history. When a child is carried, the person carrying the child must support the weight of the child while keeping the child in a comfortable position. For instance, a person may carry a child across theft front with the child being in the supine position. In this situation, the child's head is typically resting in the elbow area of the person's arm. In another situation, the baby may be carried in the upright position while facing the person such that the baby's head lies on the person's shoulder. While carrying a child, a caregiver typically becomes uncomfortable from constantly supporting the child, which may lead to arm pain, tiredness, numbness, or even a pinched nerve, resulting in a shorter period of time a child may be supported.

Typically, a mother or caregiver needs to carry several items to support caring for a child. For instance, a caregiver will typically carry a nursing shawl or cover, a mat for napping or changing, a blanket, and a pillow. To aid in carrying a child, a caregiver may use a baby sling or a backpack-like device to hold the baby while it is being carried. However, this results in the caretaker still being required to carry several separate items to care for the child. What is missing in the industry is a device that serves multiple functions for a caregiver thereby reducing the number of individual items required to be carried by the caregiver.

Over time, others have developed items to aid in the carrying and caring of a child. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,148, issued to Auxilla on Jul. 19, 2005, discloses an arm pillow for holding a child. The pillow has an elastic support sleeve located behind it to allow a user to slide their arm through it to better support the child. The pillow works to support the child's head when nursing or when the child is just being held, including during sleep. Auxilla's invention only addresses the issue of supporting a child while it is being held. If a child needs a blanket or the mother needs a cover to breast feed, a separate item is needed. Further, Auxilla's invention fails to address the need to transfer some of the child's weight from the mother's arm to other parts of the body, such as the shoulder.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,131,156, issued to Walker-Craft on Nov. 7, 2006, discloses a multipurpose pillow for use in caring for a child. The pillow includes a tubular body with a central channel for a user's arm to go through. When in use, a child's head is supported by the tubular body. Walker-Craft's invention also includes a cover extending from the tubular body, where the cover can be used as a blanket while the child is held and as a privacy screen when breast feeding in public. When the cover is not in use, it is stored between an outer an inner layer of the pillow. However, this invention also fails to address the need to transfer some of the child's weight from the arms to other parts of the body, such as the shoulder.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,245, issued to Franco on Feb. 12, 1991, discloses a portable pillow/lounge set that folds into a tote bag for carrying items. The pillow/lounge set consists of a single piece of material, either cloth or plastic, that can be used as a pillow and matt. When in use, the pillow/lounge set is unfolded to create a pouch where a pillow may be inserted and a mat to lie upon. Following use, the set is folded such that a tote bag is formed capable of holding various items. In some embodiments, a second mat is attached to the end of the first mat to either create a longer mat for a tall person or to be used as a blanket by puffing to extra mat over the person lying on the first mat.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,786, issued to Taniguchi on Jan. 17, 1978, discloses a shoulder bag having a fold out mat and a harness with leg holes to place a baby when being carried. When being used as a mat, the bag portion can be used as a pillow. However, this invention also fails to address the needs of a nursing mother when nursing in public. The shoulder bag does not have any accommodations to support a baby's head when being nursed nor does it have any type of cover that can be used to provide privacy with breast feeding in a public area.

As there are many inventions that cover a foldable mat that can be folded to create an area for a pillow, there are no inventions that provide a foldable and storage friendly mat forming an area for a pillow and a separate area parallel to the pillow area for a user's arm to pass through. Further, there are no inventions that combine these characteristics also having an extended mat area that can be used as a blanket as well as a nursing shawl.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary use of the present invention is to provide comfort and head/neck support to a baby while feeding, sleeping, or relaxing in a caretaker's arms. Another use is to provide relief and comfort to the caretaker. Since the present invention provides support to a baby, a caretaker may relax their arm while holding the baby as well as the caretaker will not feel the direct pressure from the child's head resting directly on the caretaker's arm. A result of this is the caretaker can hold the child for a longer period of time thereby providing an enhanced bonding experience between the child and the caretaker. This may also allow a child to sleep for a longer period of time without being disturbed. The invention is ambidextrous in that a user can insert either their right or left arm through the arm area behind the pillow, thereby allowing the invention to be used as a pillow and blanket or as a privacy shawl regardless of which arm the user puts through the arm area. Further, the ambidextrous nature of the invention allows it to be used by a nursing mother when feeding from either breast. The present invention is also useful when either setting down or picking up a child since the present invention allows a caretaker's arm to pass behind the pillow and child's head thereby minimizing any disturbance felt by the child, This will allow the child to sleep longer and more confortable.

The present invention is a foldable mat made from a rectangular soft and comfortable fabric. In certain embodiments, the mat is bound by a satin or satin-like ribbon around the edge of the fabric. In use, a caretaker may use the invention to provide a sleeping surface and a blanket, to help in holding a child in the caretaker's arms, and to provide a privacy cover if a mother needs to nurse in a public area. The mat can be folded upon itself at predetermined locations to form two pass through areas: one for a pillow, the other to allow a user's arm to pass through parallel to the pillow thereby providing support for a child's head. The fabric used to make the invention is plush, soft, gentle, and comforting to a child's sensitive skin. The fabric can be used as a blanket to keep the child warm. The fabric can also be used as a barrier to block perspiration transfer between the child and the caretaker. The fabric also minimizes heat transfer between the caretaker and the child, thereby providing a more comfortable and relaxing environment for a child to sleep.

After a period of extended use, or if the present invention becomes soiled, it can be machine washed and dried. If a pillow was inserted into the pillow area, it may be removed before being washed. If the pillow is a washable type, it may be washed and dried with the present invention.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the mat also consists of one or more fastening devices to allow a user to secure the invention around them when being used as a privacy shawl. The fastening devices may be attached directly to the caretakers clothing to allow the caretaker flexibility in orienting the present invention to maximize its use. The fastening devices can also be used to aid in storage of the invention when the mat is folded or rolled up. In practice, the fastening device consists of two clasps/clips/fasteners, one at each end of a ribbon. When attached to the present invention, the fastening device can be used as a handle to carry the invention when it is closed up.

Certain embodiments also consist of finger straps or loops strategically located around the invention. The straps or loops allow a user to put a finger or thumb through the loop during use to provide enhanced support, stability, and control of the invention.

When a child is asleep in the present invention, the design of the invention allows for the child to be transferred from the arms of a caretaker to a crib with minimal impact on the comfort of the child. The present invention is configured such that there is minimal head jostling when the caretaker slides an arm into or out of the invention. If a child is asleep, the present invention minimizes that chance that the child will be awoken during the transfer to the crib. This may also be used in reverse when it is desired to pick the child up from the crib with jostling the child. Another advantage of the present invention is that the fabric will retain the scent of a caretaker thereby providing consistency and comfort to a child.

The present invention has additional features that make it novel and unique. Since people hold babies in different ways, the present invention provides a constant and uniform feel to a child being held. The present invention also provides confidence to a caretaker less experienced with a child in that it provides a feeling that the child is secure in the caretakers arms thereby reducing apprehension on the part of the caretaker. The present invention also acts as a barrier to prevent the spread of germs between the child and the caretaker since adults come into daily contact with a broad variety of germs, bacteria, and viruses. Since a child may have a weak immune system, minimizing the child's exposure can have positive effects on the child's overall health. In addition, if a child is sick, the present invention will act as a barrier to minimize the spread to the caretaker holding the child.

The present invention can also be used as a mat upon which a baby can be changed. It is also usable as a soft and comfortable place for an infant to do Tummy Time exercises to strengthen their head, neck, and backside. Also, the present invention can be placed into a stroller behind a child to provide additional support and comfort. The present invention also provides an easier way to put a child in or take a child out of a stroller or crib.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the invention unfolded and lying flat;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the preferred embodiment after the invention has been folded to form a pillow area and a tail area;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view taken along line 3-3 of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2 showing the pillow area, the arm pass through area, and finger straps;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the preferred embodiment showing the various connection points for closing the pillow area, securing the invention around a user, or tying around the invention after it has been rolled up or folded for storage;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a child using the invention as a sleeping mat with a pillow;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a caretaker using the present invention to hold a baby where the tail section is wrapped around the caretaker and clasped in place;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the present invention being used to support a baby and to provide cover while breastfeeding;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention showing a user's arm and hand inserted through the pillow section with a thumb engaged with a thumb strap for enhanced control and stability;

FIG. 9 is top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the alternative embodiment unfolded and lying flat;

FIG. 10 is a cut-away side view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the detachable nature of the tail section from the pillow area; and

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the interface between the pillow section and the tail section described in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated 100 and typically referred to as “Armapillow”. Armapillow 100 consists of one continuous piece of cloth having a first section 102, a second section 104, a third section 106, and a tail section 108. First fold 110 lies between first section 102 and second section 104 and allows first section 102 to be folded onto second section 104. Second fold 112 lies between second section 104 and third section 106 and allows second section 104 to be folded in either direction. Third fold 114 lies between third section 106 and tail section 108 and allows third section 106 to be folded in either direction. Located on the back side of first section 102 are thumb straps 120. When, as discussed below, Armapillow 100 is used for its intended purpose, thumb straps 120 allow a user to place their thumbs or fingers through the thumb straps 120 to provide additional stability and control to a child being held by the user. Since Armapillow 100 is an ambidextrous device, thumb straps 120 are located at approximately the four (4) corners of first section 102. In a preferred embodiment, Armapillow 100 is approximately 10″×19″, however other dimensions are fully contemplated without deviating from the spirit of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 2, Armapillow 100 is shown in the folded condition. First section 102 is first folded forward onto second section 104 along first fold 110. The first and second sections 102 and 104 are then folded along second fold 112. The back of second section 104 becomes the resting place for a child's head (not shown). The child's body is placed on tail section 108 in such a way that the child's head rests on second section 104. If, as discussed below, a pillow is inserted in pillow area 116 (not shown, see FIG. 3), the child's head will be supported as if lying directly on a pillow.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2. Shown is pillow section 130 and tail section 108. Pillow section 130 consists of first, second, and third sections 102, 104, and 106 when folded along first fold 110 and second fold 112. When folded, pillow area 116 is formed between first section 102 and second section 104. Arm area 118 is formed between first section 102 and third section 106. In use, pillow 134 may be inserted into pillow area 116 to provide support for a child's head and neck. To keep pillow 134 in place, pillow area 116 may be held shut with snaps 124. It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that many types of fasteners can be used to hold pillow area 116 closed and that the use of snaps 124 is to be considered as exemplary and not limiting. When a caretaker is to hold a child, the caretaker passes one of their arms through arm area 118. After placing their arm in arm area 118, the user may insert a thumb or finger through thumb strap 120 to provide increased control and stability to the child. Thumb straps 120 are located on the back side approximate to the four corners of first section 102. It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that additional thumb straps 120 may be located at various locations on Armapillow 100 to aid a caretaker in the use of Armapillow 100.

FIG. 4 is a front view of Armapillow 100. Shown is pillow section 130 and tail section 108. In addition to the components making up Pillow section 130 discussed above. Pillow section may also consist of snaps 124. Snaps 124 (not shown, see FIG. 3) may be used to close pillow area 116 when a pillow 134 (not shown) is inserted into the area. Alternatively, buttons, hook and loop material, and other methods of fastening may be used in place of snap 124 to close pillow area 116. It is also to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that multiple snaps 124 or other fasteners may be used to keep pillow area 116 closed. Pillow 134 may be left in pillow area 116 when Armapillow 100 is both used and stored. When either the pillow 134 or Armapillow 100 is soiled or otherwise needs to be cleaned, fastening device 122, or whatever is used to hold pillow area 116 closed, is released to allow pillow 134 to be removed from pillow area 116. As can be seen in FIG. 4, arm area 118 is located behind pillow area 116 such that when a caretaker puts their arm through arm area 118, the child's head is better supported and controlled by the caretaker. A caretaker also has the choice to place their arm on the outside of and behind pillow section 130 yet still provide support and control of a child's head than without the use of Armapillow 100. Fastening devices 122 may also be used to hold Armapillow 100 closed when folded or rolled up for storage or transport. Fastening devices 122 may also be used as a handle to carry Armapillow 100 when it is rolled up or folded.

Also shown in FIG. 4 is fastening device 126. In an alternative embodiment, fastening device 126 consists of two straps extending from the surface of tail section 108. When Armapillow 100 is folded or rolled up for transport and storage, the straps of fastening device 126 can be wrapped around the center of Armapillow 100 and tied, thereby maintaining Armapillow 100 in a rolled up or folded condition. It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that various fastening devices may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Also shown in FIG. 4 are fastening points 128, located at the corners of tail section 108. In certain embodiments, a separate fastener may be used to secure tail section 108 to the clothing of caretaker 136 (not shown).

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a folded Armapillow 100 being used by a child 130 as a sleeping mat. A pillow 134 is inserted into pillow area 116 to provide head and neck support to child 130. The body of child 130 is resting on tail section 108.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a preferred embodiment with caretaker 136 using the Armapillow 100 to provide support and control for a resting child 130. As shown, caretaker 136 inserts an arm 138 through arm area 118 and tail section 108 extends from pillow section 132 across the front of a caretaker 136. Child's 130 head is placed against pillow section 132 with the body of child 130 positioned across the front of caretaker 136 on tail section 108. When a child 130 is sleeping on Armapillow 100, the design of pillow section 132 allows caretaker 136 to gently insert or remove their arm 138 from arm area 118 without disturbing the sleeping child 130. Without the use of Armapillow 100, a caretaker 136 would need to disturb the child 130 to either pick them up or put them down when an arm is inserted or removed from under a child's head.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a caretaker 136 using Armapillow 100 as a support and as a privacy cover while breast feeding child 130. In use, Armapillow 100 is oriented such that tail 108 points to the outside of caretaker 136 where tail section 108 is pulled over the top of pillow section 132 to cover child 130 thereby blocking light from directly shining on child 130. To ensure that privacy is maintained during breastfeeding, tail section 108 may be attached to the clothing of caretaker 136. After properly orienting Armapillow 100, caretaker 136 inserts her arm 138 through arm area 118. It is to be appreciated that caretaker 136 inserts her arm from the left side of pillow section 132, through arm area 118, and out the right side. Caretaker 136 may insert a thumb or finger through thumb strap 120 (not shown). Tail section 108 may be attached to the caretaker's 136 clothing through the use of a fastening device 122. In certain embodiments, fastening device may clip directly to Armapillow 100 and the caretaker's 136 clothes. In other embodiments, fastening device 122 attaches to fastening point 128 and the caretaker's 136 clothes. It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that any type of fastener may be used to hold tail section 108 in place during use, including buttons, hooks, hook and loop, and snaps, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A caretaker's arm and hand 138 is inserted through arm area 118. The thumb of the caretaker's hand 138 is inserted through thumb strap 120 to provide the caretaker 136 with greater control and stability when holding a child 130 (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, thumb straps 120 are located at the four (4) corners of first section 102. When Armapillow 100 is used, the plurality of thumb straps 120 provide any user, whether using Armapillow 100 with the left arm or the right arm, access to a thumb strap 120 so additional control and stability can be applied by any user of the invention. Pillow 134 is inserted into pillow area 116. Located in pillow area 116 are snaps 124, which are used to hold pillow area 116 closed when pillow 134 is inserted to prevent pillow 134 from slipping out of pillow area 116 during use, transport, and storage. It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that both the left and right sides of pillow area 116 may have snaps 124 or other fastening devices configured to keep pillow section 116 closed, such as hook and loop, clips, and buttons. It is also to be appreciated that multiple snaps 124 or other fastening devices may be used on each side of pillow section 116 to hold pillow section 116 closed.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, an additional section may be attached to tail section 108 using fastening points 128 to create a longer tail section 108. It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that the additional section may be attached to tail section 108 by any means known in the industry, including, but not limited to, hook and loop, clips, and zippers. A longer tail section 108 may be needed when a child 130 is sleeping on tail section 108 of Armapillow 100 and a blanket is needed for the child 130. A longer tail section 108 may also be needed when tail section 108 is not long enough to provide sufficient privacy when a caretaker 136 is breast-feeding in a public place.

Moving to FIG. 9, a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated 200. Armapillow 200 comprises pillow section 232 and tail section 208. Pillow section 232 further comprises first section 202, which connects to second section 204 at fold 210. Second section 204 connects to third section 206 at fold 212. Located along the bottom edge of third section 206 are snaps 214. First section 202 further comprises thumb straps 120 located approximately at the corners of first section 202. Tail section 208 is configured to attach to pillow section 232 using snaps 214 located along the top edge of tail section 208 in conjunction with the snaps 214 on third section 206. It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that snaps may be replaced with any fastening means known in the industry without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, snaps 214 may be replace with a hook and loop type fastener. Alternatively, a bi-directional zipper may be used such that tail section may be attached to pillow section 232 face up or face down. Other types of fasteners contemplated include hooks, magnets, clips, and buckles.

The detachable nature of tail section 208 from pillow section 232 allows for different pillow and tail sections 232 and 208 to be attached to each other. For example, a user may require a longer tail section 208 as a child grows. Another example is detaching pillow section 232 from tail section 208 so a child may use pillow section 232 as a pillow and tail section 208 as a blanket.

Alternative to using a longer tail section 208, a user may attach an extension to tail section 208 by attaching the extension using fastening points 228. Fastening points 228 may be any means of fastening known in the industry, which includes snaps, cups, hooks, and hook and loop. Alternatively, fastening points 228 may be replaced with a bi-directional zipper, thereby allowing an extension to be zipped together with tail section 208.

Similar to Armapillow 100, Armapillow 200 is folded along folds 210 and 212 to form pillow section 232 having pillow area 216 and arm area 218. If a pillow is inserted into pillow area 216, snaps 124 are used to hold the pillow in pillow area 216. Tail section 208 is then attached to pillow section 232. When not in use, Armapillow 200 may be unfolded then rolled up and secured using fastening device 226 (see FIG. 10), which may be two strings long enough to wrap around a rolled-up Armapillow 200, or an elastic loop that can be stretched around a rolled-up Armapillow 200. Alternatively, Armapillow 200 may not be unfolded before being rolled-up for storage and transport thereby allowing for quicker and easier use.

FIG. 10 is a cut-away side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the detachable nature of the Armapillow 200. As shown in FIG. 10, when Armapillow 200 is folded to form pillow section 232, pillow area 216 is formed between first section 202 and second section 204 and arm area 218 is formed between first section 202 and third section 206. As with Armapillow 100, a user may pass his or her arm through arm area 218 to provide stable support for a child. For added support, a user may insert a thumb into one of the thumb straps 120. Also shown is fastening device 226, which allows for Armapillow 200 to be secured in a closed condition to allow for ease of transport and storage.

Tail section 208 is connected to pillow section by attaching snaps 214, It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that alternative attachment methods, such as hooks, clips, hook and loop, and zippers may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Lastly, FIG. 11 is a detailed view of Detail 11 designated in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 shows tail section 208 connected to the third section 206 of pillow section 232 using snaps 214.

It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that the items identified in the preferred embodiments and the alternative embodiments may be combined to form additional embodiments of the present invention. The designation of a preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments is not to be considered limiting.

While there have been shown what are presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. An Armapillow, comprising: a pillow section comprising; a first section; a second section; and a third section, wherein the first section is connected to the second section along a first fold, and wherein the second section is connected to a third section along a second fold; a tail section connected to the third section along a third fold; and a plurality of thumb straps attached to the corners of the first section.
 2. The Armapillow of claim 1, further comprising a fastening device connected proximate to the lower edge of the tail section and configured to secure the Armapillow in a rolled-up condition.
 3. The Armapillow of claim 1, further comprising: the formation of a pillow area between the first section and the second section by folding along the first fold; and the formation of an arm area between the first section and the third section by folding along the second fold. 4 The Armapillow of claim 3, further comprising a means to hold closed the pillow area.
 5. The Armapillow of claim 1, further comprising a means for connecting an extension to the tail section.
 6. The Armapillow of claim 1, further comprising a clip located along an edge of the tail section to removably attach the tail section to a person.
 7. An Armapillow, comprising: a pillow section having a first section, a second section, and a third section; a tail section; and a means for attaching the tail section to the pillow section.
 8. The Armapillow of claim 7, further comprising a fastening device connected proximate to the lower edge of the tail section and configured to secure the Armapillow in a rolled-up condition.
 9. The Armapillow of claim 7, further comprising: the formation of a pillow area between the first section and the second section; and the formation of an arm area between the first section and the third section.
 10. The Armapillow of claim 9, further comprising a means to hold closed the pillow area.
 11. The Armapillow of claim 7, further comprising a means for connecting an extension to the tail section.
 12. The Armapillow of claim 7, wherein the means for attaching the tail section to the pillow section includes a bi-directional zipper.
 13. The Armapillow of claim 7, further comprising a clip located along an edge of the tail section to removably attach the tail section to a person. 